Chemical and Process Engineering Graduate Programme

Babcock International; Warrington; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company in the UK is offering a Chemical and Process Engineering Graduate Programme starting in September 2026. This two-year programme starts with a minimum salary of £35,000 and includes diverse placements at various key sites. Successful candidates will tackle significant engineering projects, contributing towards energy security and nuclear sustainability while receiving structured support and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Minimum of 25 days holiday

Generous pension scheme

Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Must be eligible for Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance.
• Ability to work on-site multiple times a week.

Responsibilities

• Develop robust solutions to engineering challenges.
• Work on diverse projects in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Gain technical expertise and contribute to nuclear energy solutions.

Skills

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or related discipline

Job description

Overview

A bachelor's or master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, or a related discipline. Where will you be based? Places on our Chemical and Process Engineering graduate programme for Autumn 2026 are available at Cavendish Nuclear in Bristol, Warrington or Humberside, and other key sites. Joining Cavendish Nuclear means getting involved in some of the most important engineering projects in the UK - and beyond. You could be working on the decommissioning of legacy nuclear sites, supporting the construction and operation of cutting-edge nuclear power plants, or helping sustain our national defence through work on the UK's nuclear deterrent. Whether you're based in Bristol, Warrington or Humberside, you'll be helping to clean up the nuclear legacy and create a world where nuclear plays a key contribution in protecting our nation, ensuring security of energy supply and meeting our net zero commitments. While you'll join a specific business area and location, placements at different sites across the UK are possible. Agile working is supported, but you'll be expected to work on-site multiple times a week. We encourage flexibility and openness to relocation throughout the programme and will consider your personal circumstances when arranging placements.

Application

Ready to apply? Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we strongly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.

Safety and Eligibility

Many of our graduate programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK.

Chemical and Process Engineering Graduate Programme

Programme title: Chemical and Process Engineering Graduate Programme
Salary: Minimum £35,000. Salary is dependent on location, role and qualifications.
Location: Bristol, Warrington or Humberside, and other key sites
Application closing date: 16 October 2025
Programme start date: September 2026
Role ID: 66956

What will you do on the programme?

Start with the microscopic detail and work your way up. That's what our process engineers do. Join them and you'll help us develop robust, innovative solutions to extraordinary challenges. On our Chemical and Process Engineering programme, your work could power nuclear submarines, shape the future of nuclear energy, or drive the shift to low-carbon fuels. You might design gas-handling systems for commercial vessels, decommission historic nuclear sites, develop next-generation fuel facilities, or enhance the safety and performance of critical infrastructure. Wherever you join us, you'll be working as part of multi-disciplinary teams, gaining the insight needed to grow your technical expertise and begin shaping a career with impact.

Programme structure and development

This is a two-year programme designed to give you a deep and diverse foundation in chemical and process engineering. You'll complete a series of four-six-month placements designed to expose you to a broad range of projects, technologies and working environments - from office-based design teams to on-site engineering roles. These rotations offer opportunities to broaden your experience - and some may even take you to different locations - helping you build your professional network and deepen your understanding of how the business operates. Each placement will bring new perspectives and challenges. You'll build your technical skills, develop your professional confidence and discover where your interests and strengths truly lie.

Development and support

From day one, you'll receive structured support, personalised training, and dedicated mentorship to help you excel throughout your programme and beyond. You'll join our Graduate Development Programme, featuring expert-led masterclasses on communication, personal branding, resilience, and wellbeing. For Chemical and Process Engineering graduates, we provide full support toward achieving Chartered Engineer (CEng) status through the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). You'll be matched with a dedicated chartered mentor who will help guide your progress and identify the experiences and evidence you need. You'll also have access to structured development plans, support with Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and regular reviews with your line and placement managers to keep you on track.

Rewards and benefits

We want you to feel supported, valued and excited about what's ahead. That's why we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, your wellbeing and your life outside of work too. In addition to a minimum starting salary of £35,000, you'll benefit from:

• A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, with agile working options subject to discussion with your manager
• Generous pension and employee share schemes
• Flexible benefits, including cycle to work scheme, discounts
• Wellbeing support, covering mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing, with services like our Employee Assistance Programme, digital GP service, and health checks